“Yes; I think she will be induced to let me set aside a yearly sum for her maintenance. She says it is only for her children’s sake if she accept it; but I fear the truth is that she feels her strength has gone, and that she can not work for them any longer.”
“And she will not take the half?”
“No; not even a quarter; though I tell her that so much wealth will be a heavy burden to me. Eight hundred a year—that is all she will accept, and it is to be settled on her children. Eight hundred; it is a mere pittance.”
“Yes; but she and her daughters will live very comfortably on that; think how poor they have been; indeed, dear, I think you may be satisfied that you have done the right thing; and after all, your uncle wished you to have the money.”
“I do not care about it,” with a stifled sigh. “We shall be awfully rich, Eva; but I suppose women like that sort of thing. I shall be able to buy you that diamond pendant now that you so admired.”
“No, no; I do not want it; you give me too many presents. Tell me, Erle, does Miss Trafford come to see her mother, now she is ill?”
“Yes, of course; but I never see her,” he answered so quickly that Evelyn looked at him in surprise. “I have not spoken to her once since Uncle Rolf’s death—the lawyers keep me so busy; and I never go into the sick-room unless I am specially invited.”
“But poor Mrs. Trafford is better now.”
“Yes; and Doctor Connor says that it will be better for her to be anywhere than at Belgrave House. We want to persuade her to go down to Hastings for the rest of the winter. When I see Miss Trafford, I mean to speak to her about it; but”—interrupting himself hurriedly—“never mind all that now; you told me in your letter that you wanted to speak to me particularly. What is it, Eva?” looking at her very kindly.
“Yes; I have long wanted to speak to you,” she returned, dropping her eyes, and he could see that she was much agitated. “Erle, you must not misunderstand me; I am finding no fault with you. You are always good to me—no one could be kinder; but you are not treating me with perfect frankness.”